Millcreek Journal | March 2023

Page 1

MILLCREEK’S MAYOR PRAISES CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, VOWS TO FIGHT FOR POLICE

Millcreek is making strides on infrastructure, homelessness, and fighting for Unified Police Department, said Mayor Jeff Silvestrini during his annual State of the City address in February.

Addressing a live audience at Millcreek City Hall, Silvestrini said he was proud of his administration and impressed by the community’s civic involvement.

“Given everything that’s happen to our city, especially this last year, the word for our city is that Millcreek is ‘engaged,’” he said, in an address infused with anecdotes of civic behavior.

Homelessness

The mayor’s voice cracked with emotion when he shared the story of Canyon Rim resident named Jason, who came to the aid of an unsheltered person discovered “freezing to death” on his front lawn.

“So (Jason) asked him to come into his house to get warm,” and “before giving the man a ride downtown to a resource center…he took him up to REI and bought him a pair of winter boots. And that’s the kind of community we have and that what makes it so special,” Silvestrini said.

The mayor stood firmly behind the city’s agreement to provide an overflow shelter for unhoused persons at the former Calvin S. Smith Library.

“I’m committed…to make sure that Salt Lake City and Millcreek don’t become like some of the other unfortunate cities around the country that have unsheltered folks everywhere, all over the street,” he said.

“Our willingness to open up a temporary overflow shelter is helping to address that problem,” he said.

The overflow shelter had been met with resistance from community members who worried unsheltered populations

may put the neighborhood in a “high risk situation.”

The mayor coordinated additional police resources for the shelter to allay concerns in surrounding District 2 neighborhoods.

Continued page 11

Mayor Jeff Silvestrini during his annual State of the City address. (Millcreek City)
ECRWSS Local Postal Customer Presort Std U.S. Postage P A I D Ogden, UT Permit #190 Scan Here: Interactive online edition with more photos. FREE March 2023 | Vol. 05 Iss. 03 Thank You to our Community Sponsors for supporting City Journals 10% OFF Tree Services Must present coupon at time of estimate Expires 4/15/23 LOCAL EXPERTS IN SPRING TREE CARE! • Tree Health Care • Tree Trimming/ Removal • Organic Mulch • Stump Grinding • Emergency Tree Services • Demolition CALL DIAMOND TREE EXPERTS TODAY! 801-938-4345 DiamondTreeExperts.com Certified Arborist on Staff RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SERVICES Most Trusted Tree Removal NOW HIRING! Up to $80K. 801-262-1596
M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 2 | M arch 2023
M arch 2023 | Page 3 M illcreek J ournal . co M Intermountain Pilates is booking classes! Join us for group reformer Pilates classes, or private sessions at TOSH, or online mat Pilates and/or pelvic health classes from the comfort of your home. Classes have multiple schedules to pick from, so you can join when it’s best for you. Registration/questions: Email toshpilates@imail.org or call (801) 314-2210

In 2019, Utah passed the Community Renewable Energy Act, which outlines a program whose goal is “to provide cities with mechanisms…to source net 100% of electric energy from renewable resources by 2030,” according to the legislation.

The Community Renewable Energy Agency, comprised of municipalities and Rocky Mountain Power, will review resource bids and vote to acquire new renewable energy resources (including solar energy, wind and geothermal) that will interconnect with Rocky Mountain Power’s system.

Eighteen Utah communities are participating in the Community Renewable Energy Agency, including Ogden, Salt Lake City, Moab and Millcreek with enough residents and businesses to represent 25% of Rocky Mountain Power’s Utah energy sales.

The Community Renewable Energy Act has a provision which mandates that a proposed plan be established by each community addressing strategies and assistance for low-income residents’ participation in the program.

At the council’s Jan. 23 meeting, Councilwoman Cheri Jackson presented on low-income assistance strategies for the Community Renewable Energy program.

“The low-income plan group of the community renewable energy program has been working on outreach strategies to contact and notify those in each city who may be applicable for assistance or who may just need extra help in understanding the program and what their options are,” Jackson said.

Jou r nals

MILLCREEK CITY TEAM

The Millcreek City Journal is a monthly publication distributed directly to residents via the USPS as well as locations throughout Midvale. For information about distribution please email brad.c@thecityjournals.com or call our offices. Rack locations are also available on our website. The views and opinions expressed in display advertisements do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions held by Loyal Perch Media or the City Journals. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the owner. © 2019 Loyal Perch Media, Inc.

By Sara Milano | s.milano@mycityjournals.com

ow- or fixed-income residents in Millcreek may soon get some relief on energy costs if they opt-in to a new renewable energy program, the Millcreek City Council says.Those groups include households receiving housing assistance, households on a fixed income, and recently resettled refugees. Millcreek staff tasked with implementing the renewable energy initiatives will be posting notices in English and Spanish at certain organizations, such as the Millcreek Senior Center and the Department of Workforce Services Refugee Services office. They will also be sending mailed notices.

An October 2022 presentation by Millcreek on the program outlines four program-wide strategies for low-income assistance. These are designed to assist households who may be “energy burdened,” a term which refers to energy costs as a percentage of household income.

One of the strategies includes enhanced monthly bill credits for low-income customers who opt-in to the program. These are “designed to, on average, offset the extra cost of the program” and are funded by other participating customers.

Customers receiving low-income assistance payments on their Rocky Mountain Power bills will be automatically opted-out of the program due to the expected additional cost of participation. They will also have their $30 termination fee with the power company waived.

If the city’s program application is approved by the Utah Public Service Commission later this year, Millcreek will pass an ordinance to officially enter the program. At that time, customers will be notified multiple times of the change to their power bills and will be given the choice to opt-out. The city estimates renewable energy procurement will begin in 2023 and the program will commence sometime in 2023 or 2024. l

Low-income residents in Millcreek may soon get some relief on energy costs if they opt-in to a new renewable energy program the city council says. (Photo courtesy of Millcreek City)

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bryan Scott | bryan.s@thecityjournals.com

EDITOR

Travis Barton | travis.b@thecityjournals.com

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Ryan Casper | ryan.c@thecityjournals.com 801-254-5974

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mieka Sawatzki | mieka.s@thecityjournals.com

CIRCULATION

Brad

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 4 | M arch 2023
Connect social media
COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS THE CITY FACEBOOK.COM/ MILLCREEKJOURNAL/ INSTAGRAM.COM/ CITYJOURNALS LINKEDIN.COM/ COMPANY/ CITY-JOURNALS TWITTER.COM /MILLCREEKNEWS
YOUR
MILLCREEKJOURNAL.COM
COORDINATOR
Casper | brad.c@thecityjournals.com 801-254-5974 Rack locations are also available on our website.
Jason Corbridge | jason.c@thecityjournals.com & AD DESIGN
EDITORIAL
MILLCREEK CITY JOURNAL 9500 South 500 West, Suite 205 Sandy, UT 84070 PHONE: 801-254-5974 MISSION STATEMENT
mission is to inform and entertain our community while promoting a strong local economy via relevant content presented across a synergetic network of print and digital media. PUBLISHER Designed, Published, & Distributed by FREE | COMMUNITY | PAPERS
Ty Gorton Amanda Luker Stacy Bronson Anna Pro
Our
L
Millcreek appeals to low- and fixed-income residents to join renewable energy program

Brian Shelley officially cements legacy among Utah basketball community

The Utah Sports Hall of Fame Foundation has inducted Brian Shelley into the Utah Officials Hall of Honor, joining the UHSAA (Utah High School Athletics Association) in recognizing someone who has dedicated over two decades of their life to being involved as a basketball referee.

“I played high school basketball at American Fork and graduated in 1993,” Shelley said. “I volunteered to be a ref because they paid 13 bucks to ref an hour of basketball.”

Shelley would serve a two-year Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission and would later go on to be the youngest referee to officiate in the UHSAA 5A playoffs. He has worked in the high school, collegiate and professional levels and now works on training the next generation to handle this high pressure role.

“You obviously need to have some tolerance and patience,” Shelley said. “When I was younger, people told me to be patient and knowledgeable. I tried to incorporate those two values. I always take the approach of being open and honest. I tell them what I see. If they know I am working hard then there’s a certain level of respect. I’ve been able to gain respect from players and coaches. I find out that there is a level of respect. I might say I didn’t have a great view on the play.”

While it isn’t an easy job, there are ways Shelley has been able to set himself apart as he’s been able to ref at all levels.

“You need to understand the game of basketball,” Shelley said. “After patience, it’s just a desire and a commitment to try and improve. I tell people that the game is about the players and coaches who put in a lot of time, and it also includes officials. We are stakeholders in the game of basketball. We are there to adjudicate and administer the game.”

Technology has enabled Shelley and other refs to analyze and improve officiating through training.

“I’ve worked with the PAC-12, Mountain West, WAC and other NCAA conferences along the West Coast. We focus on the rule book and then analyze video clips. Patience and knowledge are important, but commitment is what makes someone a good official.”

One of the toughest calls to make is a technical foul as it is determined by whether the person is displaying unsporting behavior instead of breaking the rules on the field of play.

“A technical foul is an unsportsmanlike act,” Shelley said. “When somebody crosses the line then that’s a personal attack or clearly unsportsmanlike behavior. I didn’t give technical fouls because I felt good communication was necessary, but I wasn’t afraid to give one if it was warranted. It’s just another call in the game like a blocking or charging foul.”

A few years ago, Shelley decided to pivot his focus as a referee in a way that would allow him to balance his work and family life that includes three sons who attend Skyline High.

“I came off the floor as a ref years ago and was hired to be the leader of the UBOA (Utah Basketball Officials Association),” Shelley said. “I’ve been able to teach many officials throughout my career. I use in-season training tools to improve officiating performance through technology. I felt the need to continue contributing to the game of basketball. With my knowledge, I was able to still add something to the game. That’s allowed me to be involved with recruiting referees. I have three sons who are grow-

ing up. I decided that traveling wasn’t something I wanted to do at this stage of my life. That’s when I got into administration. I’m able to stay involved in the game of basketball that I love.”

While it is tough for fans to feel that refs are biased toward their team, Shelley strives to focus on being in the moment.

“I look at every call as it happens,” Shelley said. “Whether the reaction from fans and teams is positive or negative, it doesn’t affect the next play. I try to give them the best call. We are only as good as our last call so I tell the officials to just make the next call a good one. We need the ability to communicate properly to coaches/players. It’s important to listen and give short responses. When officials acknowledge what they are saying then it goes over better. Good refs and coaches move on. Every official who puts on a shirt needs to have the mindset that they are impartial. I always strive to live by those principles.”

While Shelley has accomplished a great amount in his career, he is quick to point out how blessed he is.

“I was fortunate enough to start when I was in college,” Shelley said. “I was the youngest official at the time and moved on quickly from high school basketball. I am currently a CFO and owner of a company and I have a work life balance which is important to me. I am still involved on a leadership team of six conferences.”

Shelley is also quick to point out how many people helped him get to this level he is at now.

“Many mentors have contributed to my success,” Shelley said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be able to have the knowledge or skill set that I have.” l

M arch 2023 | Page 5 M illcreek J ournal . co M
Fred Thompson, Brian Shelley and Rob Cuff at a banquet at Little America on Jan. 23 when Shelley received his award. (Photo courtesy Solhee Shelley) Kim Nelson and Brian Shelley on March 4, 2000 at the 5A Boys State High School basketball championship between Copper Hills and Brighton. Copper Hills won 45-39. (Photo courtesy Solhee Shelley)
Page 6 | M arch 2023 Errand is an on-demand, affordable, & totally customizable Errand running service. We are like DoorDash, but for Errands! Can’t be in 5 places at once? Let us help. Download the Errand App & get OF$5.00ERRAND CASH on your account! • You can add multiple stops • You can chat live with your errand runner $7.99 base fee/errand 1. Shopping anywhere 2. Returns 3. Pharmacy pick ups 4. DI/Savers drop offs 5. Any pickup/drop off 6. Anything from point A to point B
M arch 2023 | Page 7 M illcreek J ournal . co M City Wide VACUUM Sales - Service - Supplies Dart • Made in Germany • 10 year factory warranty • Bare floor friendly • Lifetime belt • Hospital grade filtration • Long lasting machine FREE BAGS with purchase! ONLY $549 SERVICE SPECIAL FULL SERVICE TUNE UP AND CLEAN $49.95 • Any Vacuum • Parts Extra • Free Evaluation & Estimate • Fast Turnaround Expires 4/15/23. Tired of Bad Vacuums? Noisy, smelly, dusty, or cheap machines? WE CAN HELP! WE STOCK UTAH’S LARGEST SELECTION OF PREMIUM VACUUMS. • Miele • Sebo • Riccar • Simplicity • Sanitaire • Bissell • Hoover • Shark • Kenmore AND MORE! All Types All Price Ranges • Uprights • Canisters • Stick Vacs • Central Vac’s • Carpet Cleaners • Floor Cleaners • Backpacks • Handvacs 1128 East 3300 South • Salt Lake City, UT 84106 • (801) 486-8251 • citywidevaccuum.com • 10 AM - 6 PM Weekdays • 10 AM - 4 PM Saturday Regularly $69 - $99

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Board of Education holds public meetings once or twice monthly to establish district policies, approve purchases and budgets, receive reports from district administrators, approve administrative appointments, and conduct other business.

Public comment is welcome anytime by contacting your board member directly, or you can sign up for public comment by contacting the communications office at 385646-4529.

Registration Online at www.olympusyouthbaseball.com or for questions call 801.712.3399

Shetland: 5-6 Years Old (T-Ball)

BOYS & GIRLS

AGES 5-14

Pinto: 7-8 Years Old (Machine Pitch)

Mustang: 9-10 Years Old (Kid Pitch)

Bronco: 11-12 Years Old (Kid Pitch)

Pony: 13-14 Years Old (Kid Pitch)

IF YOU LOVE BASEBALL, IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN YOUTH BASEBALL, ESPECIALLY, OL OLYMPUS Y YMPUS YOUTH B OUTH BASEBASEBALL ALL. KIDS WILL HAVE A “BALL” PARTICIPATING IN OUR PROGRAM.

Season Starts April 10th

Tryouts will be March 14th at the Holladay City baseball fields 5 pm for Mustang and 6:30 pm for Bronco SLC • UT 84109 www.olympusyouthbaseball.com

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 8 | M arch 2023
6360 S. 3000 E., Suite 210 Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121 435-615-8822 • www.heidenortho.com
Mark W. Peterson Non-Surgical Orthopedic Specialist Board Certified Sports Medicine Walk-In Clinic Every Monday 9am - 4pm Injured over the weekend? Come see me for knee and shoulder pain.
Cortisone Injections
Synvisc & Euflexxa Injections
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
Regenerative Medicine Injections/PRP
Conservative Orthopedic Treatments
Sports Physicals
Dr.
Concussion Management
Fracture Care and Bracing
NEW BOARD MEMBERS THE MEET NEW NEW BOARD LEADERSHIP WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO
www.graniteschools.org

Damaged cache container removed from Oakridge Elementary grounds

Last summer, the new principal of Oakridge Elementary School, Valerie Bergera contacted Roger Brooks, Granite School District emergency manager along with Millcreek’s Emergency Manager Andrew Clark and the Mount Olympus Community Council (MOCC) about permanently removing the cache container from Oakridge’s playground.

“We started doing assessments of our school properties and looking at safety and security, and as we looked at the campus we noticed that the placement of the CERT container and the condition of it gave us some serious concerns,” Bergera said. “Trash and recycling bins had to be placed on the other end of the school’s campus causing the garbage trucks to drive across the playground to remove the trash which became a safety issue.”

“The CERT container was located very close to the playground structure which made it hard to supervise the kids when they went behind it and to keep them safe,” Bergera added. “We are limited on playground space so we wanted to have it removed. We have been talking about it since July with Millcreek’s Emergency Manager Andrew Clark.”

Bergera explained that there is a process to go through for that container to be on the school property called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and it appears that the community never went through this process.

Oakridge Elementary School is part of the Granite School District and is located in the Olympus Cove neighborhood. The school is a few blocks up from Churchill Junior High School off Jupiter Drive.

The previous principal of Oakridge Elementary School did not seem to have an issue with the cache container’s location. The trailer has been situated on Oakridge’s playground since the 1990s.

Brooks, Granite School District’s emergency manager said, “The new principal wanted me to come and look at this container and then requested it to be removed.” Brooks then contacted Clark, Millcreek’s emergency manager.

Clark, along with MOCC, inspected the cache container and they found it to be in disrepair.

Clark and members of the MOCC went through the cache container last fall. The container was damaged and they decided to remove it from the school property and not replace it with a new one. Much of the medical supplies that had been contained in the container could not be salvaged. Things that were still in good condition were placed in an existing cache container located at Churchill Junior High School.

After the container was removed Bergera said, “We now have free unobstructed views to supervise the children. These safety audits are important for every principal on every campus and to look at things with a different lens then respond and be proactive. We want to continue to have collaboration and communication with the council and Millcreek City.”

“These containers provide extra resources in those times when we need them. As long as the containers are being maintained then there is value from an emergency management perspective in having these containers in the community,” Brooks said.

The idea of cache sites were put in place around the city and can be very beneficial if there is an emergency but the containers need to be checked and inventoried regularly.

The two cache containers located at Eastwood Elementary and two at Churchill Junior High School are in good condition and will remain at those schools. The one that was removed from Oakridge Elementary was the oldest of the

containers. There are additional cache containers around the city.

“The cache pods serve as a branch of the training with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The purpose of CERT caches and the Schools Aid Families in Emergencies (SAFE) program is to enhance our response in the event of a major disaster,” Clark said.

“The caches are not meant to house food and water but are equipped with supplies that can aid in search and rescue, debris management, medical response, damage assessments and reunification of families.”

These programs are a way for the communities and residents to respond quickly while awaiting outside assistance.

In the event of a major disaster Clark said, “The cache containers would be accessible through the community council as well as the city and some CERT members.”

The upkeep of these cache containers are through the community council and the city. A quick inspection of these containers are done on a quarterly basis to check for leaks or damage. Inventory on the four remaining cache containers at Eastwood and Churchill will be conducted this spring and determine if there is a need for additional supplies.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and the knowledge that the Salt Lake valley sits on many faults and is due for a major earthquake, emergency preparedness in the community is very important.

CERT training for any Millcreek resident who is interested will begin this March. “It is important to note that these cache sites will be better utilized if we can get more people trained on how to use the equipment inside,” Clark said. The CERT training teaches locals basic search and rescue techniques, first aid to stop bleeding and to deal with trauma. A link to the next CERT training in Millcreek is at www. millcreek.us.

SAFE neighborhoods program teaches individuals and families how to create a 96-hour kit. If a disaster occurs, you grab your kit and walk to the nearest SAFE school in your area. This program relies on neighbors helping neighbors and getting access to critical and immediate emergency needs along with keeping the community informed during a crisis.

For more information on a SAFE school in your community or how your family can be prepared in a disaster, visit safeutah.org. l

M arch 2023 | Page 9 M illcreek J ournal . co M
Mention this ad to receive 50% OFF Your First 2 Months! Expires March 31, 2023 LUXURIOUS, RESORT STYLE LIVING WITH THE COMFORTS OF HOME • Dynamic and interesting activities • Acres of grounds for walking • Chef prepared meals • Caring staff and much more! Call today to schedule a tour! 801.272.8226 3750 Highland Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84106 HighlandCoveRetirement.com SPRING INTO A NEW LIFESTYLE AT Highland Cove! Come enjoy a FREE lunch on us and discover what makes us an AMAZING choice for senior living.
Mt. Olympus Community Council (MOCC) members Britt McPartland and Dr. Chuck Pruitt cleaning out the damaged cache container that was removed from the Oakridge Elementary School’s playground. (Jolene Croasmun/City Journals)

138 Years of TRUST

WHY A LOCALLY OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED MORTUARY REALLY MATTERS

Larkin Mortuary is the most respected funeral home in the Salt Lake Valley. Its pioneer founder, George William Larkin, arrived in Utah in 1863, having emigrated from Cambridge, England. He started the Larkin tradition of arranging funerals in 1885 and today, with six generations of history serving Utah families, Larkin Mortuary remains locally owned and family managed.

Our quality reputation is everything to our business and we have established ourselves in the local community as a qualified and trusted resource. We are not a national franchise and are not controlled by any outside influences. Larkin can meet any need by providing traditional funeral and graveside services, cremation facilities, cemeteries, indoor and outdoor mausoleums, cremation niche and scattering gardens, personalized life memorials and legacy keepsakes.

One of the most important aspects of being locally owned and operated is our firsthand knowledge of the communities we serve. With 138 years of excellence and innovation in providing quality memorial products and compassionate service, Larkin Mortuary provides a full spectrum of end of life services.

Being a qualified resource to you is our core mission. Larkin’s vertically integrated services provide a premier floral shop, monument, urn and vault manufacturing facilities, and beautiful memorial meeting and luncheon facilities. These full range of services offer individuals and families the flexibility to design a custom memorial tribute for their loved one. Multilingual staff honor and facilitate important traditions of many cultures. Larkin can also assist with legal transactions and documentation for timely and efficient transfers to other countries.

We are community minded and active in our places of worship and donate either monetarily or with our time to many worthwhile causes in the local area. Being community-minded is who we are. It defines our character and provides a solid foundation with the people we serve.

Memorial preplanning services are offered by qualified and compassionate Larkin counselors who will help determine final wishes. Advanced funeral arrangements can provide peace of mind knowing that end of life plans are complete and will be carried out exactly as specified. Preplanning reduces the details and decisions loved ones must confront during a time of grief.

The family and staff at Larkin Mortuary understand that arranging a funeral or memorial service is a deeply personal experience. Realizing the sacred nature of the profession, Larkin is honored to serve the community by providing genuine care at this sensitive time of life.

Our memorial services are available in any of our beautiful buildings amongst our four locations along the Wasatch Front or in a building of your choice. For more information visit www.larkinmortuary.com or call (801) 363-5781 for an appointment with an experienced funeral director.

Local poet and activist sits vigil with the Great Salt Lake

Local activist, poet and storyteller Nan Seymour, is bearing witness to the Great Salt Lake. From Jan. 18 through March 4, corresponding with the Utah State Legislative session, Seymour and her writing community held a vigil for the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.

In a small camper on Antelope Island, Seymour and other nature lovers lived by the lake, recording breathtaking sunsets, the heartbreaking loss of more than 400 aquatic diving birds, the majesty of bison roaming the island and the beauty of a lake fighting to survive.

“I’m not a scientist, not an expert, but someone who’s loved birds for a long time,” Seymour said. “I wasn’t aware of the genuine state of peril and now it’s accurate to call this an active collapse of the ecosystem…I was late to pay attention but when it caught my attention, it caught my full attention. The lake is the heart of this bioregion and hemispherically essential.”

This is the second year Seymour has held vigil at the Great Salt Lake. In 2022, she felt it was necessary to be physically present with the lake and respect it as a sentient ancestor, neighbor and even a mother. She said it helps to hold the lake in a relational way, not just thinking of it as a water resource.

Scientists think there still might be time to save the lake and its ecosystem but it will take a concerted effort from legislators, farmers, homeowners and stakeholders to ensure the lake’s survival.

At 4,189 feet, the Great Salt Lake is at its lowest point in recorded history. Lawmakers had the opportunity to adopt a resolution, setting a goal of raising the lake to 4,198 feet, but

it seems the resolution will fail.

“We have to change our ways and it’s not comfortable,” Seymour said. “We will have to think in ways we haven’t thought before and take levels of responsibility we haven’t been willing to take. We have to live within our means with water. Just like if someone you love is dying, you move in a different way.”

The Great Salt Lake is a migratory stop for 10 million birds and is a center of life in the region. As the lake’s level continues to drop, due to drought and human interference like water diversion and outdated water policies, essential aspects of the ecosystem will continue to die off.

Microbialites, essentially living rocks, live in the shallow water of the lake and metabolize life, creating a home for brine flies and brine shrimp that feeds the birds. As microbialites are exposed due to receding water, they die.

Increased salinity in the lake is killing keystone species. Toxic dust in the dried lakebed is dangerous to humans, birds and animals living near the area. Seymour will continue calling attention to the perilous situation and asked that others raise their voices by talking to their representatives, writing op-eds and walking along the lake shore to keep the conversation going.

“Speak up, even when it feels hopeless and helpless,” she said. “It’s always against the odds, always against the powers that be. The people who make it happen are instigators, just ordinary, broken-hearted people who persist. They are outside the realm of power and influence. They are just people with hearts that keep showing up. That’s how change happens.”

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 10 | M arch 2023 Helping Families Heal Since 1885 LarkinMortuary.com Larkin Mortuary 260 E South Temple SLC, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781 Sunset Gardens 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771 Sunset Lawn 2350 E 1300 S SLC, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582 Riverton 3688 W 12600 S Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850
Bison, on Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake, are just one species that depends on the lake’s ecosystem. Local poet Nan Seymour held vigil for the lake for 47 days by living on the island to draw awareness to the lake’s perilous situation. (Photo courtesy of Nan Seymour)

Yet some residents have criticized the police presence, saying it’s created an intimidating atmosphere and may have a chilling effect on participation.

Silvestrini in his State of the City address pushed back against those complaints and said he’d received feedback showing that continual “police presence had made (unsheltered participants) feel safe.”

Police

Silvestrini reiterated his administration’s commitment to staying with Unified Police Department (UPD), a regional entity currently under threat by state legislators seeking to dissolve the county service by 2025.

Even as the bill, HB 374, has gained momentum and looks likely to pass, Silvestrini said, “I really believe that our community receives the benefits of economies of scale by sharing police officers with other communities.”

“(Through UPD) we have the resources of the second largest police department in the state that can come when we need them,” he said, offering the example a hostage crisis in 2022 when Millcreek marshaled UPD’s special unit resources.

“You can be sure that Millcreek is a UPD city and will remain so as long as I have anything to say about it.”

Collaboration

Silvestrini touted his administration’s active collaboration with neighboring cities, legislators and even federal delegations, which he said has brought benefits to the city.

As examples he highlighted added firefighting facilities and improvements to the trailhead at Neffs Canyon; he also pointed to federal wilderness boundary adjustments which enables trail restoration on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

On the westside, Millcreek’s portion of the Jordan River Trail is seeing improvements—with added pavilions and bathrooms, and work being done on a connecting bridge to the city of Taylorsville, along with a pending application for a boat ramp, the mayor said.

Infrastructure

Silvestrini, who serves on the Wasatch Front Regional Council, said intergovernmental collaboration has helped the city improve infrastructure, including major overhauls of portions of its three largest thoroughfares—3900 South, Highland Drive and 2000 East—along with new sidewalks and a roundabout.

He touted the popularity of Millcreek Commons, a mixed-use development on a 6-acre area off 1300 East and 3300 South coming to fruition with the support of his administration.

Though still in progress, the Common’s multi-season skate loop was a big hit with residents—evidenced by impressive revenues during the winter months.

Between December 2022 and Janu-

ary 2023, the Commons generated close to $287,000 in ice-time fees and skate rentals, according to figures cited by the mayor.

“Millcreek Common has been wildly successful,” he said. “What we’ve said all along is we built this as a community gathering place. And it’s working.”

Environment

Silvestrini said he’s moving the city toward environmental sustainability with a tentative date of 2030 for the city using fully renewable sources through participation in initiatives like the Community Renewable Energy Program.

He also cited the planned installation of solar panels on the new city government offices under construction at Millcreek Commons, which will be funded by a grant from Rocky Mountain Power; EV charging stations are blueprinted for later phases of the Common’s development, he said.

He explained the city is also helping with conservation efforts by facilitating subsidies to private property owners who want to replace grass turf with water-wise landscaping.

After-school program

The mayor said the city’s participation in the Promise after-school program has made a difference in the lives of 20 children.

“Helping the less fortunate, we saw a need at the Holladay Hills apartment building, and we were able to start an after-school program.

“It means they have a place to go after school to get additional help…and ultimately that will pay benefits to Millcreek residents and our state by keeping these kids productive and making sure they have an opportunity to graduate from high school and not wind up at places that cost us even more money in the long run,” he said.

Silvestrini sees the City of Millcreek on the rise and attributes its successes to what he describes as a solutions-oriented style of leadership.

“Our goal is to be an entrepreneurial city. We don’t have a ‘way it’s always been done’ in Millcreek,” he said. “We are a culture where we are problem solvers. We are not bureaucrats.” l

M arch 2023 | Page 11 M illcreek J ournal . co M Primary Healthcare is here to show you how health care can be compassionate, comprehensive and convenient. When you choose us as your Primary Care Provider, you'll have access to same-day appointments, save money and have the continuity of care that will help you live a healthier, more active life. Our services include: (801) 758-8735| www.phcmed.com Urgent care? No, Primary Care! Family Medicine Sports Medicine Psychiatry Men's Health Women's Health Same-day Appointments (801) 758-8735
Continued from front page Come see our extensive selection of optical frames and sunglasses and experience the best customer service in town. Wolcott is your destination… …For finding your unique style 385-475-4669 | 3145 So. Highland Drive | Salt Lake City wolcottoptical.com Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM Present this ad and receive a 20% DISCOUNT on your purchase! Over 75 Years Serving Utah Families Visit our website to subscribe & save!

Unified Police in crosshairs: Silvestrini concerned with bill that eliminates state’s second largest police force, intends to focus efforts on ‘UPD 2.0’

initiative—which dispatches social workers alongside officers responding to calls implicating mental illness—received financing from a general fund meant for countywide services, according to Silvestrini, who drafted a report on the findings not yet made public.

Silvestrini said stakeholders nonetheless agreed the organization functioned fairly, legally, and that double taxation and conflicts of interest are not born out.

“With the exception of the mental health unit, we had consensus that all the things that the county was paying for out of the general fund were in fact county wide services,” he said, in an interview with the Journal.

‘Killing our officers mentally’ County Sheriff Rosie Rivera—at the heart of the purported conflict—adamantly defends the integrity of UPD and her functions as its CEO.

able to refute.”

“The thing that angers me the most is that what people forget with politics and policy, and a lot of this has to do with politics, they forget that there are human beings on the back end of this—and they have been really damaged,” Dahle said.

“This could have been fixed in a way that was controlled and less damaging to the individual officers serving our communities. It was easily fixable at the county sheriff level. So to have this legislation come in and basically take a hammer to it is awful.”

Dahle also worries that the coming alternatives will fail to replicate the efficiency of the current UPD model. “I still think it’s the best model and the best way to police a community,” he said.

Rivera, too, chided lawmakers for underappreciating the financial burden the bill imposes on local governments.

Days appear numbered for Unified Police Department—the second largest police force in the state, which serves nine cities and townships in addition to county-wide services–with the likely passage of HB374, a bill that would dissolve UPD on Jan. 1, 2025.

Bill sponsor Rep. Jordan Teuscher, R-South Jordan, says he wants to eliminate the agency over concerns with “double taxation,” and “conflict of interest,” which stem from the County Sheriff’s dual functions as sheriff and CEO of Unified Police, according to Teuscher.

“You have situations where what might be best for the county may not be the best thing for UPD, and what might be the best thing for UPD may not be the best thing for the county. And with that, conflict of interest,” said Rep. Teuscher during a Feb. 15 House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee hearing.

Created in 2009, UPD is an interlocal police agency whose shared services model allows participating municipalities to access specialized public safety services—like K9 units, Forensics, or SWAT—while keeping in place precinct-level autonomy over local enforcement.

The model has won deep devotion from its participating parties.

“Our whole city recognizes the benefits of sharing services within the municipalities. It provides a far more robust police department for our residents than we would have if we started our own police department,” said Millcreek Mayor Jeff Silvestrini, UPD board member, addressing the committee.

“My concern with this bill—and I stand in opposition to it—is it throws the baby out with the bathwater. There is no reason to dissolve the entity in the first place,” he said.

Although as Teuscher understands it, the entity was created with the intention of growing to serve as a “metro-style” county-wide police force; instead, the entity has seen it’s market share shrink in recent years with the departure of some cities—which he says results in conflicts and unintended misappropriation.

‘Perception is reality’

Opponents of the bill, however, fiercely reject accusations of double taxation, and say Rep. Teuscher is pedaling exaggerated claims he’s failed to provide substantive evidence for.

“The fact that they’re going to destroy the entire police department, the second largest in the state, out of data that doesn’t exist, that’s where it becomes frustrating for me,” said UPD Chair, Midvale Mayor Marcus Stevenson, in an interview with the Journal.

“There is a perception that UPD is subsidized, and while there is no data to back that up, perception is reality,” he said. “We have a legislature that is going to make a pretty big decision with inaccurate information.”

The only data produced includes a county audit, which lawmakers agreed showed no evidence of double taxation.

Although an internal work group assigned by the Sheriff’s Office did bring to light areas for administrative improvement.

The committee determined that a jurisdiction-specific Metro Mental Health

“This issue has continually come up the entire time I’ve been sheriff…since 2017. We have done numerous things to try to convince people that the UPD is a great organization; we’re very transparent, and there is no conflict. I believe it’s a perceived conflict,” Rivera said during the Feb. 15 hearing.

Rivera lamented the sponsor’s unnuanced solution, and said the process has deeply decimated officer morale.

“This disruption over and over is killing our officers mentally. It is taking a huge impact on them and their families and we need to do something to help them,” she said.

Lt. Nate Lord, who spoke on behalf of UPD officers during the committee hearing, confirmed the toll on rank and file servicemembers.

“The declination of our morale is rampant and it’s going fast. We’re not comfortable with constant turmoil and turbulence, because every year someone comes to question our police department,” said Lord, who added that the department was still recovering from “one of the roughest years we’ve had in decades,” referring to a tumultuous period of nationwide protests that followed in the 2020 wake of high profile racial police killings.

‘A lot of this has to do with politics’

UPD board member and Holladay Mayor, Robert Dahle, expressed anger with the legislative process, which he said tilted favor to the bill sponsor and disregarded people in uniform.

“There’s a major amount of frustration because of the legislative process. We had a lot of supporters to speak against the bill, and right out of the gate they said, ‘Five of you can speak. For one minute each,’” said Dahle, during a city meeting the following day. “Then the bill sponsor sat up there for 15 minutes and made claims that we weren’t

“There are legal implications and their financial implications that have not been looked at. I do think it is going to be very costly for our communities,” she said.

UPD 2.0

Opponents suffered a blow with the unexpected announcement by Sheriff Rosie Rivera that she would no longer oppose the bill, explaining during a February press conference that the writing was on the wall.

“If we were to kill the bill, the sponsor has said he will continue to bring it back. This problem will never go away,” she said, expressing fatigue that the Sheriff’s Office had been backed into a corner by political forces. “I chose not to oppose this bill because I have a responsibility to create long term stability for public safety.”

The announcement caught UPD board members unawares.

“Being that the sheriff is our CEO and the board gave direct policy direction against this, I was shocked and disappointed by her position,” UPD Chair Stevenson said, even while admitting he understands the politics that forced Rivera’s hand, and that the board believes Rivera has the officers interest at heart.

Stevenson said he intends to continue his fight against the bill, but other members have already begun pivoting attention to crafting a new interlocal police force, which Mayor Jeff Silvestrini is calling “Unified 2.0”

“In terms of real politics that bill is probably going to pass no matter what we decided to do. So I would rather focus my efforts on UPD 2.0, and providing assurance to our officers they’re going to have stability in their employment, and providing assurance to the residents of my city that we’re going to have a robust police department,” Silvestrini said. l

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 12 | M arch 2023
HB374 would dissolve the UPD in 2025. Midvale Mayor Marcus Stevenson is frustrated the decision could be made with “data that doesn’t exist.” (City Journals)
arch 2023 | Page 13 M illcreek J ournal . co M REPLENISH LANDSCAPE GARDEN PRODUCTS Selling Premium Landscape Materials in Murray • Barks • Colored Mulches • Replenish Compost AVAILABLE IN: BAG - BULK OR SUPER BIG BAGS 4660 South 200 West 801-252-5962 Celebrating 29 Years Right In Your GET TICKETS DesertStarPlayhouse.com

Know Your Lemons highlights 12 symptoms of breast cancer to help educate

Women have been taught to check for lumps when screening for breast cancer, but what most people don’t know is there are 12 symptoms that could be an indicator of breast cancer.

Utah resident Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont, MFA, Ph.D., has made it her mission to educate women and girls to help them be informed when it comes to breast health. She created the nonprofit Know Your Lemons to help save lives and educate women around the world.

“People don’t know how to have the conversation,” she said. “We don’t talk about breasts and no one’s really challenged that. As we’re implementing the program in schools, we talk about every part of the body except breasts and there’s this implicit message that there’s nothing to know.”

Ellsworth-Beaumont said everyone should graduate from high school knowing the 12 signs of breast cancer that include skin sores, orange-peel skin, a sunken nipple or a dimple in the breast.

When a close friend died from breast cancer, Ellsworth-Beaumont was working as a professor in a business school in London. After her friend’s death, she left her job and put all her efforts into the Know Your Lemons nonprofit. She was stunned at the lack of

information about breast health, even in the medical community.

Her goal is to educate women in a way to help them get familiar with their own breasts. That includes understanding breast anatomy like milk ducts and lymph nodes and what a cancerous lump feels like. It’s often hard, like a lemon seed, and doesn’t move.

“We don’t talk about breast anatomy or how breasts change during menstrual cycles,” Ellsworth-Beaumont said. “When we’re told to self-exam and feel for a lump, we’re given no information about anatomy, we don’t understand about breast cycles, you don’t know what that lump feels like.”

She worries misinformation about breast screening will discourage women from scheduling mammograms and doing self-exams. Social media propagates the myth that mammograms are dangerous when the screening actually saves lives. Unfortunately, Utah has one of the lowest screen rates in the country, ranked 50 out of 52 (including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico).

The Know Your Lemons main image details the 12 signs of breast cancer, displayed on lemons. She wants to get the poster and postcards in as many doctors’ offices,

schools and women’s health centers as possible.

Because the image is universally understood across languages and cultures, Ellsworth-Beaumont has partnered with health care systems around the world to bring the

information to nearly 60 countries. She often has to explain that talking about breast health is not the same as sex education, or that high school girls are not too young for the information.

“Breasts are not sexual organs. Breasts

Always contenders, Skyline soccer readies for its new season

Ayearago, the Skyline High School boys soccer team lost in a penalty shootout to eventual champion Alta in the semifinals.

But the final four is not an unfamiliar place for the Eagles soccer program.

After tying for second in a grueling Region 6 and earning the No. 6 seed for the playoffs, Skyline beat Cottonwood and Wasatch to reach the semifinals.

In 2021, as the 10-seed, Skyline navigated four wins in the playoffs over Bonneville, Alta, Mountain Ridge and Brighton before succumbing to Wasatch in the state championship.

For the 2023 season that kicks off in March, the Eagles will hope to take the next step toward a state championship having not held the trophy aloft since back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015. Defensively stout a year ago, the Eagles allowed only 12 goals in 18 games and will hope to continue that with the return of senior keeper Carson Wilde.

Skyline’s region schedule is front-loaded with road games while four of its final five games will be at home.

Region starts March 14 at Olympus with senior night coming May 2 against Murray. l

REGION SCHEDULE:

All games at 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

March 14 @ Olympus (7 p.m.)

March 17 @ Highland

March 21 vs Brighton

March 24 @ East

April 7 @ Park City

April 11 vs Olympus

April 14 @ Murray

April 18 vs East

April 21 vs Park City

April 25 vs Highland

April 28 @ Brighton

May 2 vs Murray

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 14 | M arch 2023
Photos by Travis Barton This life-saving image, created by Utah resident and Know Your Lemons founder/CEO Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont, has educated women around the world and saved countless lives from breast cancer. (Photo courtesy of Know Your Lemons)

reproduce nothing but we have linked those two things so concretely that people don’t think breast health is different from sexual health,” she said.

She’s heard numerous stories from women who saw the lemon images and recognized their own breast cancer symptoms. Young women, especially, have a hard time convincing their doctors to screen for cancer, thinking they’re not old enough for breast cancer. The image empowers women to be their own advocates and not back down.

The Know Your Lemons app is a breast health and period tracker but unlike other period tracking apps, this one doesn’t collect data. The app was funded by donations and grants and was named the best women’s health app in the world from The Webby Awards. For more information, visit KnowYourLemons.org.

The foundation is also raising money to fund a $300,000 mammogram machine in the Bahamas by raffling a trip to the Bahamas. Visit the website for more information.

“It’s humbling to know I can help someone change their story,” said Ellsworth-Beaumont. “I don’t think it sinks most of the time, but once in a while I get a moment where I pause and reflect on what’s happening and that keeps me going. So many women have reached out saying the poster or the app helped them recognize the symptoms.”l

KOMAL RASTOGI, MD Clinical Neurophysiology, Neurology

Dr. Rastogi joined Granger Medical Clinic from Steward Medical Group. He was born and raised in Oklahoma and moved to the Salt Lake area in 2018. Dr. Rastogi previously worked in San Antonio, Texas, at River City Neurology prior to joining Steward Medical Group. Since moving to Utah, he has served as the stroke medical director of Davis Hospital & Medical Center in Layton, Utah. Under his leadership, Davis Hospital & Medical Center achieved a Primary Stroke Center Plus accreditation from the DNV and became the first certified stroke center in Davis County. He is a member of the Utah State Stroke Task Force which is a coalition of local providers whose goal is to improve stroke care in the state of Utah.

Dr. Rastogi offers both inpatient and outpatient neurological care. His training focused on procedures such as EEG, EMG, evoked potentials, intraoperative monitoring, VNS programming, and skin biopsies. This allows him to specialize in epilepsy and neuromuscular disorders in addition to any general neurological disorders.

Accepting

Dr. Rastogi believes that the patient-physician relationship is an important factor in providing good care. He completed his fellowship in a variety of neurological procedures to make sure patients can see one neurologist for all aspects of their neurological care, thus providing a lasting and trusting relationship.

SERVICES OFFERED:

• General Neurology services which include stroke, concussion, traumatic brain injury, headaches (including migraines), neuropathy, back pain/radiculopathy, sciatica, seizures/epilepsy, muscle diseases, motor neuron disease (ALS), myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s Disease, Essential tremor, multiple sclerosis, and dementias (including Alzheimer’s Disease) along with many others.

PROCEDURES:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)

• Electromyography & Nerve Conduction Study (EMG/ NCS)

• Botox injections

• Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

• Skin Biopsies

• Nerve Blocks for Headaches

M arch 2023 | Page 15 M illcreek J ournal . co M • Safe and compassionate 24 hour assisted living care • Smaller community with personalized care & attention • Join a delightfully active & tight-knit community CALL TODAY 385-217-8671 Mention this ad to receive 1 Month FREE AND We'll pay for your move! (Up to $750) Call for details, restrictions may apply. Expires March 31, 2023 NEW OWNER, NEW MANAGEMENT
GRANGERMEDICAL.COM 801.965.3419 PRACTICING AT
W. 3500 S. WEST VALLEY CITY, UT 84119
E. 3900 S., STE. 1000 SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84124
2965
1160
new patients!

• ONLY $170 for City Journal readers with “feelgood” code

• Relaxed Atmosphere & friendly staff

• Lots of locations - St. George to Logan

• Thousands of happy patients

• Dozens of Friendly QMP Specialists

We are a team of professionals dedicated to helping patients in Utah get safe legal access to Medical Marijuana. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process of getting your Medical Marijuana Card so you can feel safe using your preferred medications.

Our QMPs understand cannabis and Utah’s laws surrounding it. At Empathetix we are advocates for cannabis, for you, your safety and for your well being. You don’t know until you try. Start feeling good again!!

At Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, we encourage you to listen to your body, eliminate the guesswork, and avoid taking chances anywhere else. Our safe and ready facility is here 24/7 to promptly diagnose and treat every emergency. Learn more at saltlakeregional.org

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 16 | M arch 2023
In Partnership with Physician Owners OUR FULL-SERVICE ER IS HERE FOR YOU DON’T PUT OFF EMERGENCY CARE.
Utah’s Simplest Medical Marijuana Card Screening
Patient Advocates who support the right to choose natural medicine 801-804-3166 info@empathetix.com www.empathetix.com $50 OFF use code "FeelGood4" Millcreek • 4400 700 E
M arch 2023 | Page 17 M illcreek J ournal . co M • Warrantied Work • Free Color Consultation • Solid Reputation • Licensed & Insured (801) 413-6938 FIRST PREMIER PAINTING Premier Quality Painting WHERE CLIENTS COME FIRST! Book us for all your exterior and interior painting needs! Resolve back pain & stay active WITHOUT surgery using our unique Back to Freedom method CALL OR TEXT FOR A COMPLIMENTARY phone consultation with Dr. Emily: 385-332-4939 •Effective & Proven Method •Mobile + Virtual Offerings •Holistic Approach •Guaranteed Results & INTEGRATIVE SPINE CARE SPECIALIST emily@emilywarrendpt.com www.emilywarrendpt.com 1892 South 1000 East, SLC, UT 84105 • We Guarantee the L owest Price! • We Come to You • Cremation $750 • Plan Ahead • 3 L ocations • Utah’s Best Value 801-930-9822 www.premierfuneral.com FUNERAL SERVICES AND CASKET $3,190 Compare and Save! FREE MEMORIAL FOLDER & BOOK ($175 value) With Funeral Service

For: 3D mammograms that detect signs of breast cancer.

experts trained in early detection.

Mammograms are vitally important in detecting breast cancer and saving women’s lives. At Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, we take great pride in offering advanced technologies like 3D mammograms in a comfortable environment run by caring, well-trained specialists. So whether you have a family history of breast cancer or simply want the peace of mind that early detection provides, you can rely on our personalized treatment and expert services, as well as our easy, convenient online booking.

That's mammography care FOR PATIENTS, BY DOCTORS.

Book an appointment at SaltLakeMammo.com or call 801-350-4451.

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 18 | M arch 2023 Taking Care of YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. 138 Years OF TRUST LarkinMortuary.com Larkin Mortuary 260 East South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84111 (801) 363-5781 Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S.) • Sandy, UT 84092 (801) 571-2771 Larkin Sunset Lawn 2350 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, UT 84108 (801) 582-1582 Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 (801) 254-4850 At a time when emotions are tender, receiving guidance by someone who has been around and understands your needs can help you find the perfect service. MORTUARIES • CEMETERIES • MAUSOLEUMS •CREMATION CENTER • PRE-PLANNING WOMEN'S HEALTH AT SaltLakeMammo.com In Partnership with Physician Owners.
By:

Tri-Canyon trails blueprint starts to take shape

The Tri-Canyon Trails Master Plan—a recreation access blueprint for Millcreek, Little Cottonwood and Big Cottonwood canyons, pursued in a partnership with Salt Lake County and the United States Forest Service (USFS)— is taking shape with the help of public input from several recent meetings, where community members have begun to galvanize around a list of priorities for the world class terrain moving into the future.

With a goal to manage trail use and ecosystems, the Tri-Canyon Trails Master Plan (TCMP) comes as the area’s surging outdoor tourism has raised questions about equity, access, and sustainability in the national forest and surrounding foothills—from far ridgelines to scenic meadows and picnic areas.

Data collected in the period from 2019 to 2023 provides insight on recreation habits and shows that high elevation lakes in the central Wasatch experience large levels of foot traffic, according to reports published on the Tri-Canyon website.

Brighton Lakes in Big Cottonwood Canyon, for example, sees an average of 3,700 trips per day in summer months, with White Pine and Cecret Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon averaging between 1,500 and 3,000 trips per day.

The data was gathered with the use of trail counter boxes emitting infrared beams to measure activity, as well Mobile Location Data, or “digital footprints,” derived from third-party applications installed on user’s mobile phones. USFS also relies on fieldwork inventories and analysis of trail conditions to provide a comprehensive understanding of trail trends.

“We know that visitation is increasing, and we want to meet that challenge so that we still have good, clean water, healthy ecosystems, and high quality sustainable recreation,” said Zinnia Wilson, USFS program manager at the Salt Lake Ranger District, speaking at a public meeting at the Millcreek Community Center in February.

“We don’t think that will just happen by chance if we don’t have a good roadmap for all the partners and participants,” Wilson said.

Beyond the data, TCMP managers are placing high priority on public input and the February meeting in Millcreek revealed that community members have started to unify around a series of concerns and desires.

“Anything we can do to get cars out of the canyon,” said one attendee at the February Millcreek meeting. “And getting people bused or shuttled, like Zion’s canyon, to the trailhead. I’m all for getting the cars out of the canyons.”

Bikes

Users expressed high priority for increased bicycle amenities and lamented the that the few bike racks currently available fail to address worries about weather and theft—an increasing concern for outdoor recreationists.

“One thing that would help with traffic is that if I had a safe place to ditch my bike up

the canyon, I would leave my car every time. And if we had safe storage for bikes that would help get cars off the road, and they take a lot less space than a parking lot,” said one woman, speaking to a shared anxiety about saddle and wheel theft at trail heads.

Other attendees expressed similar sentiments.

“I bike up to Millcreek a lot and I would love secure storage, like bike boxes you see across the country,” said another recreationist. “Also with summer thunderstorms that will increase the need for overhead structures that can shelter from storms.”

Natural landscape over built environment

Wilson said USFS is amenable to additional structures, but explained they nonetheless need to ensure “the overriding experience is of the natural landscape rather than the built environment, and uses the most minimalist structure we can to get the job done.”

To this end the TCMP intends to draw on examples from the National Park Service, which has a reputation for working smartly with natural environments to improve user experience, utilizing clearings and tree canopies, for instance, rather than built structures to help protect against both precipitation and heat.

Broad connectivity

A big concern emerging from stakeholder meetings is not with the trails themselves, but the roadways to get to the trails.

One prerogative of the TCMP is to connect canyons to existing and future multiuse paths in nearby cities, allowing users to find

their way from their front doors to the foothills and beyond without having to get in a car at all.

Despite partnership with the county and regional stakeholders, Wilson explained that designing a comprehensive and contiguous access plan across jurisdictions entails a variety of challenges and potential roadblocks when dealing with private landowners.

“Obviously, we have a few current situations that highlight how complicated land ownership is in the canyons,” Wilson said, explaining that USFS is working on purchasing land or obtaining right-of-way for some proposed trail areas.

“At a minimum, what makes this plan implementable to some extent is that the Forest Service is the majority landowner (of the Tri-Canyon area) and we can make plans on Forest Service land, evaluate them for impact, and implement them.”

Along with competing ownership and jurisdiction, the plan will need to address competing usage modalities, as residents asked for better management of mountain bikers and hikers.

“I’m both a hiker and a mountain biker and I love doing both, but as the trails get more and more crowded there is a need to separate those activities on the trails. If it’s a biking day I don’t want to go for a hike because it’s hard to manage. I think there is a need to look at the multiuse aspect of it,” said an attendee at the Millcreek meeting.

In some Tri-Canyon areas USFS currently allows bikes on even days and dogs off leash on odd days. However, residents complained

that enforcement of those standards are insufficient, a point that Wilson conceded. It was suggested that the TCMP should include robust education component with an emphasis on trailhead signage to help address non-compliance.

So far no consensus has developed on the issue of e-bikes and where or whether they should be allowed on trails.

There was a strong response from residents who said they’d like to see trails for people of all abilities.

“As parents of a physically disabled son, tonight he said just have them make more wheelchair accessible paths. I know it can’t be everywhere, but it would be more than just disabled people who would appreciate that,” said one woman.

Another woman and mother of young children said, “I’d like to see stroller accessible trails in the region. As a mother it’s been a struggle to find a place where you can take a kid for a couple hours.”

The discussions have underscored the challenges of managing public lands in a modern era where wide variety of constituencies with a stake in the game.

They Tri-Canyon Trails Master Plan management team anticipates publishing a first draft for the plan later this year. It will then solicit additional community feedback and reformulate the second draft based on follow-up input. Once a final plan is passed it will be instituted in phases, and each phase will require an environmental impact study. l

M arch 2023 | Page 19 M illcreek J ournal . co M
Trail users Matt Schiffgen and Taylor Burke clock steps on popular Millcreek Dog Lake trail (Zak Sonntag/City Journals)

Intermountain Health performed a record-breaking number of organ transplants in 2022

Kristine Fogarty didn’t even hesitate. When she learned her friend and coworker Carrie Riggs needed a life-saving liver transplant, Fogarty went online to register as a living organ donor. No one in Riggs’ family could donate, but Fogarty’s bloodwork came back as a potential match.

“I told her, if you need someone to match you, I’ll do this because it’s important and it will save your life,” she said.

Fogarty was one of only 13 living liver donation transplants performed at Intermountain Health during 2022, a year when the facility performed a record-breaking 300 adult transplants, thanks to the generosity of organ donors, their families and a team of transplant caregivers.

The Intermountain Transplant Program performed a total of 104 liver, 159 kidney, 29 heart, and eight kidney/pancreas adult transplants last year, the fourth consecutive record-breaking year for the program.

“Living donors are incredible people,” said Diane Alonso, MD, transplant surgeon and former medical director of Intermountain Health’s abdominal transplant program. “They are often undergoing major surgery to give new life to their aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, neighbors—and sometimes to someone they don’t even know. They truly are giving the gift of life and we do our best to be great stewards of that gift.”

The uptick in transplants is due to generous donors, an increase in donor organ availability and advancements in technology and medicine. Liver transplants at Intermountain Health exceed the national average because they are able to match a wider range of donor organs to recipients.

Live transplantation saw the largest increase, with 32 living kidney transplants and 13 living liver transplants.

“Intermountain has created the environment and provided us the necessary tools and medical team to be successful,” said Jean Botha, MD, transplant surgeon and medical director of Intermountain Health’s abdominal transplant program. “I couldn’t be prouder and more honored to be working sideby-side with these caregivers who are changing lives in our communities.”

Within a couple of months, Fogarty passed all the screening tests and was approved to be a living liver donor for Riggs. The transplant was performed in October 2022 and both women are doing well. Riggs said she doesn’t know how to adequately thank Fogarty for saving her life.

“I thought I had to wait for someone to die and that scared me,” Riggs said. “Kristine was my lifeline. She saved my life. We are now closer than ever.”

The success of Intermountain’s transplant program, which serves patients throughout the nation, is the result of caregiver teams across the Intermountain system and community partners working together. The addition of an Intermountain Life Flight long-range medical jet in 2022 enhances organ transplantation by retrieving donor organs from across the United States.

Intermountain also launched a new platform called iReferral with InVita Healthcare Technologies and DonorConnect, the organ procurement agency for the Intermountain West. iReferral streamlines the organ donor referral process and automates the identification of potential donors.

To learn more about organ donation or register to become an organ donor, go to intermountainhealthcare.org/donatelife.

Fogarty said although her experience was scary, she’d do

it again if she could. She challenges others to look into becoming a living donor to give another person the opportunity to live.

“Do it. Save a life. Get this feeling of purpose in life that you helped be part of a miracle. There are so many people out there waiting,” she said. “Living donors are very rare. There were only 13 living donors for livers last year. There’s more people dying than 13. That’s why that number needs to change.”l

M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 20 | M arch 2023
Kristine Fogarty (left) donated a portion of her liver to her friend and coworker Carrie Riggs as part of Intermountain Health’s living organ donation program. (Photo courtesy of Kristine Fogarty)

All-Star readers meet all-star mascots at Salt Lake County library event

The NBA All-Star events in Salt Lake were the perfect backdrop to celebrate All-Star readers in February. A winter reading event sponsored by the Salt Lake County Library kicked off Jan. 3. Readers who stayed engaged during the program were invited to meet the Jazz Bear and other NBA mascots Feb. 15 at the Viridian Center in West Jordan.

“We’re very fortunate to host the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake County and to be able to offer such a unique prize to our readers,” said County Library Program Manager Nyssa Fleig. “We hope offering a once-in-a-lifetime event like this will help create readers for life.”

The party kicked off just after 6 p.m. when the mascots came in, turned up the music and shot off their confetti cannons. All attendees got to enter through a balloon arch and then made their way to a decorated event room. Two big screen TVs showed NBA All-Star footage. Kids could play cornhole, or life-size chess and connect four while they waited to meet mascots.

The event brought out families from all over the valley, like Salt Lake City’s Aimee Broadbent and her 9-year-old son Deklan.

“I like to read…just a bit,” Deklan said, with a joking twinkle in his eye.

“He loves it!” Broadbent said.

His favorite books? “I like scary stories.”

The All-Star Winter Reading wasn’t just about reading—it challenged kids to stay engaged during the winter with different activities and report their progress online.

“I did all the activities. I read, I played basketball, and I colored in every activity,” Deklan said.

Broadbent said they’d participated in and attended the event before. But with the All-Star game happening this weekend, there’s some added excitement.

People had their choice of several mascots to meet, greet and get photos with, starting with Owlexander the library’s owl. Unified Police and the Salt Lake County Sheriff brought their mascots—a dog named Sgt. Siren and a horse named Sgt. Lightning.

Three NBA teams sent their mascots: the Miami Heat’s fireball Burnie, Clutch the bear of the Houston Rockets, and Blaze the Trail Cat of the Portland Trail Blazers. And from the NBA G League (minor league basketball), the SLC Stars were rep-

resented by the Jazz Bear’s cousin, Buster Bear.

But for loyal Utahns like the Waltons of Taylorsville who had played Jr. Jazz and seen lots of Jazz games, meeting the Jazz Bear for the first time was the most exciting thing about the night.

“We participate in the library reading events all the time because the girls love to read,” said Melena Walton of her daughters Ella and Lila. “We did the library’s preschool class when they were younger and came to reading time and puppet shows.”

The girls, now 14 and 10, kept busy during the winter with skiing and Jr. Jazz basketball. They stayed engaged with the other winter challenge activities like being creative, getting outdoors and trying new things.

But they definitely made time to read—Ella in the Star Wars novels, and Lila the Half Upon a Time series. Of course they’ve made their way through the Harry Potter and Fablehaven series. And when it comes to how they read, they’re traditionalists.

“I like the feel of a book in my hands, not an e-reader. I like turning pages in a real book, it’s just different,” Lila said, and Ella agreed. l

M arch 2023 | Page 21 M illcreek J ournal . co M
Hormonal Health • Fertility and Pregnancy • FET / ART • PCOS • Endometriosis • Menopause Chronic Illness / Pain • AutoImmune Disease • Migraines • Weight Loss • Musculoskeletal Pain Megan Sewell, LAc. 2258 E Fort Union Blvd Suite B6 Cottonwood Heights 801-849-8312 wildsageacupuncture.com Specializing in Holistic Endocrinology, Reproductive Health, Chronic Illness & Chronic Pain. At Wild Sage Acupuncture, you receive comprehensive treatment planning with a variety of solutions for: FREE CONSULTATIONS
Aimee Broadbent of Salt Lake brought her son Deklan to meet the mascots Feb. 15 as a reward for completing the winter reading challenge. (Heather Lawrence/City Journals)
M illcreek c ity J ournal Page 22 | M arch 2023 Utah’s #1 Self Proclaimed Pet Odor Remover FREE ESTIMATE 801-301-2863 - Patrick Heck Ya! We Clean Upholstery FrattoBoys.com Also tile cleaning! 10% OFF 385-330-4001 www.freshcoatpainters.com/sandy • All types of arts & crafts accepted • 3x3 tables start at $40, 10x10 booths at $120 • Price includes help loading in and out Send your name/email for more information & application to bstockdale@msn.com or text 801-554-8170 by March 20th to reserve space. Sponsored by Friends of Millcreek Senior Center Vendors Needed! Spring Boutique at Millcreek Saturday, April 15th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2266 E Evergreen Ave Millcreek, Ut www.SadlerAndWilsonLaw.com Trusts, Wills, Health Care Directives, Powers of Attorney and Informal Probates MILLCREEK Cindy Sadler : 801-274-0062 HOLLADAY Emily Wilson : 801-484-8600 Currently providing services via phone & email Draft documents mailed for review Drive up and contactless signings ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1986 UmpiresofUtah.com Adult Slow-Pitch Softball $24 Per 1 Hour Game For More Information or To Apply Please Visit: • No Experience Needed / We Will Train You • 4 Games/Hours Per Night / 3-4 Days Per Week • Uniform & Insurance Included With Registration • Salt Lake & Davis Counties • Training Starts March 14th • Season Starts April 3rd • No Weekends www.letsreadfunbooks.com Educational, interactive and fun From activity books, to neat fiction series, to internet-linked science and history encyclopedias Buy Books and More NOW Contact Independent Consultant: Lauren Casper @ letsreadfunbooks.com FREE GARLIC CHEESE STICKS Not valid with other offer. Must present coupon. Expires 3/31/23 Code: HCJGarlic 4734 South Holladay Blvd • 801-810-9426 Check our hours at: www.pizzeriatasso.com Woodfired Pizza & More!

When I was a kid, I worried about four things: my Halloween candy being stolen by siblings, missing a spelling word on a test, accidentally eating mayonnaise and nuclear war. In that order.

While those four things were the main cause of concern, I also worried about rainy days because stupid boys would throw earthworms down my shirt. I worried about wearing dresses to school because stupid boys would look up my skirt.

I worried about running out of books to read because I couldn’t imagine that apocalyptic scenario. I worried about earthquakes because we were constantly told The Big One would happen when we least suspected.

I guess I worried a lot, but I’m pretty sure our state legislators at the time didn’t give a rat’s behind about my mental health. In fact, children in the 1970s weren’t really considered people until they had a job and started paying taxes.

But now, our illustrious leaders say they are really concerned about the mental health of Utah’s youth, but only in select situations. There is talk to ban social media for kids under 16 because of the harmful impact it has on their mental wellness.

However, representatives don’t seem

A Mental Health Day

society. Even though teens with access to these treatments have demonstrated better mental health.

This is a “problem” our leaders don’t have to “solve” because, hear me out, it isn’t a “problem.”

On a related note, I found it interesting Utah will still permit cisgender female teens to get breast implants. Because Utah.

Do you know what else affects a child’s mental health? The fear they’ll be shot at school. The fear that climate change will eliminate elephants and polar bears. The fear their overworked teachers will quit because public money has been siphoned off to private and home schools.

I won’t clump all our elected officials into this bunch of wackadoodles because there are many people working to help trans youth, create sensible gun laws and reduce the load of our poor public school teachers who get beat up each year during the legislative session.

milla introduced a bill that would legalize psilocybin in Utah under strict controls. Because this is Utah, this mushroom therapy bill will probably go down in hallucinogenic flames, but hopefully it gets the conversation started.

Another way to help our youth develop better mental health? Stop passing harmful bills. Start passing bills that help our children and grandchildren deal with the everyday pressures of living in this world that feels like it’s gone bananas.

I agree social media causes great harm to our teens through cyberbullying, shaming and creating a comparison mindset. But there are additional issues we could tackle to help our children sleep better at night.

concerned about the mental health of transgender youth since our state leaders banned gender-affirming care for minors. Even though suicide rates skyrocket for trans youth who often feel stigmatized in

I vote that each educator be given a 10-day trip to Hawaii, paid for by the record-breaking state liquor sales. Of which they’ve heartily contributed, I’m sure.

Speaking of addressing mental health, Senate Minority Leader Luz Esca -

I never had to worry about cyberbullying as a kid, although actual physical bullying was definitely a thing. I worried about being pushed off the monkey bars onto the hard concrete. I worried about kids laughing at my homemade polyester pantsuits.

What I worry about now is how to create an inclusive and safe environment for our youth. I also still worry about accidentally eating mayonnaise, and nuclear war. In that order. l

CONCRETE WORK

Reasonable Prices, Quality Work, Prompt Service

Flat work, Driveways, Patios, RV Pads, Sidwalks, Etc. Call Dan: 801.518.7365

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING

Residential, Commercial, Interior, Exterior Reliable, Dependable, and

GUTTER REPAIR

Jack’s Pro Gutter and Cleaning 85% of gutters are repairable!

21 years experience - licensed and insured

SENIOR DISCOUNTS

De-icing and leaf protectors Call or text Jack 801-865-6382

M arch 2023 | Page 23 M illcreek J ournal . co M
MILLCREEK PROFESSIONALS Value PLACE AN AD: Call 801-254-5974 ROOFING 801-272-7000 All types of roofs $650 OFF any reroof over 2,000 sq. ft. VEHICLES WANTED We’ll buy your running & non-running, wrecked or broken car, truck or van. (801) 506-6098 CarSoldForCash.com A Local Utah Company PAINTING FULL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior/Exterior Residential/Commercial Over 20 Years Experience LICENSED AND INSURED For Immediate Service Call 801-865-4049 WATER SOFTENER RELIABLE SOFT WATER without the typical water softener problems • Zero maintenance • No breakdowns • 2/3 LESS salt For free in-home estimate: visit www.KineticoUtah.com or call 801-890-5344 METAL EXTERIORS ASPEN ROOFING Specializing in metal roofs, wall panels, and exterior window treatments. 801-882-2332 www.aspen-roofing.com Call for a FREE estimate today HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIR LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED Residential and Light Commercial Call Jeff at 801-347-1150 24 Hour Emergency: 801-484-0506 SUGARHOUSE HEATING & AIR HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Apex Clean Air Installations & Repairs Call today for a free in home estimate. 801-449-1939 LEAFGUARD RAIN GUTTERS Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home. If it clogs, LeafGuard will come out and clean it for you. One-Piece System, Professional Installation CALL AND RECEIVE A $200 VISA GIFT CARD WITH YOUR LEAFGUARD PURCHASE! Free Estimate - 385-300-0869
T3 Concrete LLC Specializes in Driveways, Walkways, Patios, Foundations, Retaining Walls, Basement Entrances Stamp & Color Concrete Call Mate’ for a FREE Estimate 801-918-8843 YARD SERVICES Affordable Yard Care / Tree Trimming & Removal Flower Beds, Hedges, Railroad Ties, Mulching, Sod, Mowing, Concrete Senior Discounts Call Dan: 801-518-7365
CONCRETE
CLEAN 25 Years of Experience Call: 801-750-0977 www.nobleonepropainting.com NobleOne Professional Painting CONCRETE WE SPECIALIZE IN CONCRETE. Concrete Installation & Removal Flatwork Patios Walkways Driveways RV Pads Stamp & Color Garages Retaining Walls Call Ala for Estimate 801-835-0051 AnEConstructionLLC@gmail.com YARD CARE Michael Deagle LANDSCAPING Utah’s Finest in Lawn Care, Spring/Fall Clean-ups, Aeration, Weekly Cuts All Your Landsape Needs Call Mike 801-597-0143 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS REPLENISH LANDSCAPE Barks, Colored Mulch, Compost, Soil Blends, Playground Chips, Sand-Gravel, Landscape Fabric & More 801-252-5962 4660 S 200 W Murray Mention this ad for 10% Off SIDING Capitol Exteriors Siding – Soffit – Fascia –Raingutters Call NOW For SPECIALS 801-997-6940 REMODELING Carlson Kitchen & Complete Remodeling Basement Finishing And Remodel Projects 801-979-8855 PERMANENT LIGHTING Trimlight Permanent Lighting Waterproof, programable energy efficient Lifetime Warranty of all Parts Call today for 25% off peak season pricing! 801-890-3418 BOOKS AND MORE www.letsreadfunbooks.com Educational, interactive and fun From activity books, to neat fiction series, to internet-linked science and history encyclopedias Buy Books and More NOW Contact Independent Consultant: Lauren Casper @ letsreadfunbooks.com

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.